The 1970s and denim go hand in hand together like Jimmy Hendrix and a guitar, or Bianca Jagger and a white horse at Studio 54. From flares and double denim to skirts long and short the decade shifted denim from a Counterculture statement to a fast fashion must have. We take a look at some of our favourite 1970s denim fashion moments to help you get the perfect look online and in store.

Flared Jeans

Flares in any shape and form are synonymous with the 70s, starting life off as Naval bell-bottoms bought by the youth as a distinctive sign of a Counterculture lifestyle. The demand for these recycled Navy uniform trousers outweighed supply and those who wanted the look started to get creative by cutting open the side seams of straight legged jeans and adding extra panels of contrasting fabric.

Manufactures and stores quickly caught on to the DIY flared jeans, and it wasn’t long before a flared jean could be seen in every High Street window. From Farrah Fawcett to the teenagers on the street, flared jeans were the staple of 1970s denim fashion.

The Wrangler Jacket

Denim jackets can be attached to many eras but for the 70s must have it was the Wrangler Blue Bell 11MJ. Made famous by John Lennon it is near impossible to find a photo of Lennon in the 70s without his favourite piece of Wrangler denim.

The Denim Skirt

The denim skirt was born in the 70s as a way to recycle damaged denim in the awakening of the environmentally conscious consumer. They came in all lengths from a take on the 60s mini to the longer bohemian cut with raw hems, centre front o-ring zips and the humble patchwork.

Double Denim

Originally the staple of Cowboys and Miners of Gold Rush California, double denim much like the flare became a popular 70s trend. One of the many advocates of the double denim look was Sonny and Cher. Sonny, in fact, was the first man on television to ever wear denim. Denim came to symbolise a fresh all – American sexuality so the more denim, the better!

With so many 70s pieces in store and online, it is so easy to recreate your own 1970s denim fashion moment or mix and match with your own style. Perhaps try your own bit of DIY on the unloved denim in the back of your wardrobe to create that patchwork look.   If we can recommend one thing though is to try double denim, it may change your life!

 Words Hugo Harris

As you've probably seen on Instagram, layered sportswear looks are the hottest trend right now. Inspired by catwalk looks at Men's Fashion Week paying homage to the ultimate street style. With collections from brands like Prada and Vetements taking inspiration from the nineties and early Y2K, we figured the best way to achieve this look is by incorporating old school vintage styles into your wardrobe. It's a bold aesthetic, allowing for both peak comfort and rapid movement whilst still turning heads. 

The majority of the styles have a strong focus on the colour black and usually includes a strong accent colour for contrast such as white, red, yellow or green. Textures including leather and nylon are combined to create outfits that feel as exciting as they look, creating the ultimate feast for the senses. As well as classic sports brands like Adidas and Reebok making obvious appearances, it's totally fine to be throwing leather trousers, kimonos and blazers into the mix. 

Although the trend is primarily menswear based, ladies can fully jump on board too by combining casual sporty styles and clashing textures. Even borrow a couple of pieces from the guys if you have to. Think high necked jumpers and mesh layers under dungarees or tucked into popper tracksuit bottoms, with bandannas and obviously branded sports socks to accessorise. Consider incorporating a leather miniskirt for a feminine edge.

Jackets are a big part of the trend so it's time to dig out your Tommy Hilfiger windbreakers and vintage leather motocross jackets. Reversible puffers and Korean inspired bombers would also be very on point, even a longline leather jacket straight out of the Matrix layered over a sports hoodie would be cool. If you combine obvious branding combined with normcore staples, you're probably somewhere on the right track. 

Fancy getting a piece of the action or simply on a sportswear flex? Shop our Sports Focus edit now and be as happy as our models below. 

Models: Imogen @kate_lapitalism + Jordan @jordzbai

Photographer: Jasmine Dunne @jasmineldunne https://jasminedunne.online/

Assistant: Bella Paulo